Many feathered Creatures are Birds of Prey.
Others help the Lost find their Way.
Audubon pictured them in Habitats flung-far.
The Predators have Eagle Eyes and Bats have Radar.
Their Colors are as varied as those of the Rainbow.
His Presence senses that which none of the others know.
He's not Life's Lone Passenger.
Aha! He's the Macabre Messenger!
A Crane sat atop Johnny Dawson's TV Antenna,
An indication that Death might be Life's Ultimate Winner.
Bushes and Shrubs moved for no apparent Reason
To say that Pinky Gordon's Death was in Season.
Wise Men take Flight
When he comes lurking in the Night.
Not only is he a Haunting Harbinger,
He is the Macabre Messenger.
In the Light of Day, he is seldom seen.
Everybody knows what his HOOT! HOOT! means.
People claim he's Wise because of his Midnight Travels.
It's the Secret of Death that he unravels.
His appearance brings to Mind the Question Why?
"Who-o? Whoo-o's? Whose Time is it to die?
For his Species, he's a rare Specimen.
For Everyone else, he's the Macabre Messenger!